On the vernal equinox of the 16th, Yan Xiangguan, the former star of the game, talked about his feelings in the season on behalf of Dalian Yingbo in the Central League in an in-depth conversation with Soccer Newspaper.
This season, Imbo played three matches at home and each was packed, with an average crowd of 20,000 per match. Such high popularity is rare in the A-League. What are your thoughts on such a spectacle?
Thanks to Dalian, the soccer city's reputation is not an empty one. The Barracuda Bay Stadium, a professional soccer mecca, has spectators so close to the pitch that they can touch the players' coats. The slope of the stadium is designed in such a way that it is steep, but also shows the majesty of the home team. For the visiting team, it may feel a kind of ubiquitous oppression.
The day before yesterday, I heard that the number of spectators for the home game against Liaoning Ironman reached more than 35,000. I was so proud! We are an ordinary first division team, but surrounded by Dalian fans, we experienced the atmosphere like the home stadium of European giants. Our teammates said that Dalian fans interpreted what a real soccer city is with their actions. Their love for soccer and their loyalty to the city's teams make them willing to be there no matter what the league level is.
How does this relate to fan support for Dalian Imbo, who remain unbeaten for six rounds?
Of course it's relevant. But it couldn't have been done without the team's efforts. First of all it was the generous investment of the owner and the full support of the city, which guaranteed the daily operation of the team. Then it was the head coach's proper use of tactics and the team atmosphere. No matter who is on or off, the team always stays positive and obeys the coach. Further, the support of families and fans provided us with clear goals and directions, dispelling confusion.
Which team do you think has the best chance of making it to the Super League this year in the Central League?
At the moment, Yunnan Yukun seems to be the most likely, and the depth and strength of their squad really outclasses the rest of their opponents. With their current staffing, they are fully capable of gaining a foothold in the Chinese Super League. In addition to Yukun, the strength of the other teams in the Central League is not much different, the key lies in which team can be determined to seek a breakthrough at the critical moment.
In the past, foreigners tended to be the main protagonists in the Central League, and whoever had the stronger foreigners would make it to the Super League.
But today, things are different in the Chinese A-League. It can be said that the overall level of foreign aid has declined. A few years ago, didn't all Chinese Super League teams bring in foreign aid from China A? And now, some foreign aiders are not outstanding in the A-League, but give more room for local players to play.
It is reported that players like you are quite popular in China A-League at the moment, you are experienced, no negative news, serious in training and playing attitude, and good at organizing attacks. However, Shijiazhuang Kung Fu unfortunately failed to sign you.
I am especially grateful for the invitation from Shijiazhuang Kung Fu. Mr. Yuan contacted me several times and wanted me to join. In fact, there were a couple of other Chinese League 1 clubs that offered me an olive branch, but after much deliberation, I finally chose to stay in Dalian. Some of my teammates from my Dalian Ren days also made the same decision. We all have a heavy pain and regret in our hearts, that is, we experienced the relegation and cancellation of the Dalian People's team, and it is difficult to get out of that haze and forget the past, because we are unwilling to accept it.
Some people believe that the older you get, the more popular and attractive you become, and that you seem to be peaking in popularity at the end of your career. What do you think about this statement?
Am I popular? Which is not (laughs). I thank the Dalian fans for their support, understanding and tolerance! I don't want to be a popular person. I just want to give more to the team as much as I can, to be a role model for the older players, and to help and unite more young players. I am very grateful to Yingbo for giving me the opportunity to continue to fight for my hometown and I will give it my all.
